How to Wax a Floor With a Buffer

Written By
Alex Smith
Alex Smith
Published: Jan 16, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Things You Will Need

  • Buffer
  • Polish wax
  • Cutting pad
  • Polishing pad

While they are not difficult to use, it may take a bit of practice to get used to the circular movements that the buffer naturally wants to make.

  1. Remove all furniture from the room that you are cleaning.

  2. Thoroughly sweep the floor to remove any dirt or debris.

  3. Attach a cutting pad to the spinning base of the buffer. Make sure it is clean of debris.

  4. Spread wax polish evenly across the floor.

  5. Roll the buffer to the back corner of the room and set the handle to waist level. Turn on the buffer.

  6. Run the buffer over the floor, allowing it to move in gentle clockwise circles. The pad spins clockwise, so forcing the buffer in the other direction can cause friction burns on the floor.

  7. Move from the back of the room to the front, buffing the entire surface. This will clean and prepare the floor for the next step. You will see the marks left behind from the cutting pad: these must now be polished out.

  8. Remove the cutting pad from the buffer and replace it with a polishing pad.

  9. Repeat the same process with the buffer, moving from the back of the room to the front. The soften polishing pad will remove the marks left behind by your first pass, giving the floor a good polish.

Tips

You are working backwards to avoid stepping on any freshly waxed floor.

Warnings

Keep your hands away from the buffer's moving parts when it is turned on.

Alex Smith

Alex Smith began writing in 2006 and brings a combination of education and humor to various websites. He holds a Master of Arts in theater and works as a professional makeup and special-effects artist.

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